For small and medium eCommerce sellers, sourcing from China can dramatically lower product costs and increase profits. However, many global importers still wonder — *is 1688 legit?* Can you really trust suppliers on 1688 when you don’t speak Chinese or live abroad? This guide will show you everything you need to know before placing an order.
What Is 1688?
1688.com is a B2B wholesale platform owned by Alibaba Group. It’s mainly designed for the Chinese domestic market, where factories, wholesalers, and trading companies sell directly to local businesses. Compared to Alibaba.com, which targets international buyers, 1688 offers much lower prices — but it’s 100% in Chinese and most sellers don’t export by default.
That means international buyers face several challenges, such as language barriers, lack of export support, and limited international payment options. Still, with the right sourcing partner, 1688 can be one of the most powerful tools for small sellers to find cheap, high-quality products.
Is 1688 Legit or a Scam?
Yes, 1688 is completely legitimate. It’s a verified platform operated by Alibaba Group and is trusted by millions of Chinese manufacturers and local businesses. However, the legitimacy of the *platform* doesn’t mean every *supplier* is reliable.
On 1688, you’ll find real factories, authorized distributors, but also small trading companies or resellers. Some might exaggerate their production capability or quality level. That’s why professional supplier verification and factory audit are crucial before placing large orders.Common Risks When Buying from 1688
- ❌ Fake or unverified suppliers — Some sellers use fake certificates or factory photos.
- ⚠️ Language and communication issues — Most suppliers only speak Chinese, making negotiation difficult.
- 💰 Hidden quality problems — Samples may look good, but bulk production can differ.
- 📦 No export or shipping support — 1688 sellers usually don’t provide export documentation or customs clearance.
- ⏳ Refund and dispute challenges — Buyer protection is designed for local Chinese users, not overseas importers.
How to Buy from 1688 Safely (Step-by-Step)
- 1. Find a verified supplier: Check business licenses, factory photos, and transaction history. Use sourcing agents for extra verification.
- 2. Request samples: Always test product quality before placing a bulk order.
- 3. Negotiate clearly: Confirm product specs, packaging, MOQ, and lead time in writing.
- 4. Arrange third-party inspection: Have quality control before shipment to prevent surprises.
- 5. Use safe payment channels: Work through verified agents or use trade assurance-style methods.
- 6. Handle export and shipping: Since most 1688 suppliers don’t ship internationally, coordinate freight forwarding or use a professional sourcing company.
Why BSA GROUP Is the Best 1688 Sourcing Partner
BSA GROUP helps global importers and eCommerce sellers safely buy from 1688 — even without speaking Chinese. Based in Yiwu and Hangzhou, our sourcing experts manage everything from supplier verification to logistics.
- ✅ On-the-ground sourcing in Yiwu, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou
- ✅ Factory verification and quality inspection based on AQL standards
- ✅ Sample collection, consolidation, and shipping
- ✅ Full export support — including documentation and customs clearance
- ✅ Seamless logistics to the USA, Europe, UK, Australia, and Canada
With 10+ years of sourcing experience, 6,000+ clients served, and over 30,000 products sourced, BSA GROUP is your reliable partner for 1688, Alibaba, or custom manufacturing projects in China.
FAQs About Buying from 1688
1. Can I buy directly from 1688 without a sourcing agent?
Yes, but it’s challenging for international buyers. Without a local Chinese address, payment account, or language skills, it’s almost impossible to communicate effectively or solve disputes. Using a sourcing company like BSA GROUP ensures safety and reliability.
2. Does 1688 offer English support?
No, 1688 is primarily for the Chinese domestic market, and most product listings are in Mandarin. You’ll need translation tools or a bilingual sourcing partner to communicate and manage orders.
3. What’s the difference between 1688 and Alibaba?
1688 is focused on Chinese domestic wholesale with much lower prices, while Alibaba.com targets international buyers with export-ready suppliers. Many factories sell on both, but prices on 1688 are often 10–30% cheaper.
4. How can BSA GROUP help me buy from 1688?
BSA GROUP can find trusted 1688 suppliers, negotiate pricing, collect samples, inspect quality, and ship directly to your country — saving you time, money, and risk.
Final Thoughts
1688 is a legitimate and powerful platform for sourcing affordable products directly from Chinese factories. However, without local knowledge and quality control, it’s easy to make costly mistakes. Working with a professional sourcing agent like BSA GROUP ensures every step — from supplier verification to delivery — is transparent, efficient, and safe.
Whether you’re an Amazon FBA seller, Shopify store owner, or wholesale distributor, BSA GROUP can help you scale your business with trusted suppliers and consistent product quality.
For full data references, see our Research Sources.
